Flannery's Pub Run to benefit Greencastle-Antrim, James Buchanan

GREENCASTLE — Rarely do community members of Greencastle and Mercersburg see eye to eye when it comes to competition.

Ironically, the neighboring rivals are putting aside their differences to host an event where nobody loses.

With capital campaigns being conducted to support arts and athletics at both the Greencastle-Antrim and Tuscorora school districts, an idea was formulated to conduct a joint fundraiser that would benefit G-A MAAX of Greencastle and Fix JB Sports of Mercersburg.

Following a meeting with John Flannery, who owns Flannery's Tavern in Mercersburg and The John Allison Public House in Greencastle, the concept became a reality with the creation of the inaugural Flannery's Pub Run scheduled for Saturday, April 13.

The half marathon will stretch 13.1 miles beginning from Flannery's on the square in Mercersburg to The John Allison Public House off Route 16 in Greencastle. All proceeds from the event will then be split equally between G-A MAAX and Fix JB Sports, benefiting a common cause.

"It's been exciting to see it become a reality," said Devin McCauley, who originally came up with the idea while training for previous running events. "It's something that can expand each year and will benefit both communities. It's not a regular race that people are used to, and we're hoping to start with a bang."

McCauley, a teacher and coach at G-A, is part of an executive committee in charge of the event, joined by Flannery, Vern McCauley, Rich Secrest and Jason Cotton.

"When you run something by John (Flannery) that benefits the community or the school district, he's fully committed to helping," said Vern McCauley, assistant chairman of G-A MAAX. "We're doing something totally unprecedented. We have two rival communities and two rival schools coming together for the common good of the kids. It really is something special."

Already, roughly 100 runners are registered for the event, which includes professional chip timing, a discounted carb-loading pasta dinner the night before the race at The John Allison Public House and a T-shirt for all participants who finish.

Cash prizes will also be awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers.

Also, in the spirit of friendly competition, a Mayor's Cup will be presented to the top finisher from either Greencastle or Mercersburg, with the trophy then residing at Flannery's or The John Allison House depending on the winner, instilling a softer side of the rivalry into the event.

A Student's Cup will be presented in the same manner, with the top-finishing student from either G-A or James Buchanan earning the trophy for their school for one year.

"Even though this is a cooperative effort, there still is a friendly rivalry," Vern McCauley said. "The Cups are designed to last for the duration of the event's existence and they just add another layer."

Page 2 of 2 - Registration for the inaugural Flannery's Pub Run is available online at www.flanneryspubrun.com.

The cost is $60 per runner from now until March 13 with the price going to $70 from March 13 until the day of the race. Walk-up registration will be accepted the morning of the event.

Runners will meet at the Greencastle-Antrim High School and will be bused to the starting point in Mercersburg. The race is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.

"For the first year, it is important to show people and the runners that we're very serious about putting on a first-class event," Vern McCauley explained. "We want to keep growing it and make it a sustainable race for years to come."

Runners and spectators are encouraged to bring canned food items the day of the race to benefit the South Central Community Action Program and used sneakers for donations to Soles 4 Souls.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Interested individuals or organizations should contact Rich Secrest at 360-7557 or Vern McCauley at 860-5060.

For more information, including a course map, visit www.flanneryspubrun.com.